Top 10 Best Pop Rock Artists

The Top Ten
1 OneRepublic OneRepublic is an American pop rock band. Formed in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2002 by lead singer Ryan Tedder and guitarist Zach Filkins, the band achieved commercial success on Myspace as an unsigned act.

OneRepublic always has the best songs! They combine their songs beautifully and fluently. Ryan Tedder has one of the most underrated voices. He can hit notes perfectly. The whole band has such an impact on how pop rock is looked at nowadays. You can't find a song off Native that you won't like. Okay, maybe that was a little too much, but really, they have great songs. If you haven't heard Feel Again or Something I Need, I'd advise you to check them out. I'm sure you have already heard If I Lose Myself. Their songs put you in a great mood if you're in the worst. Easily the best pop rock band and personally my favorite as well. I used to be really big into Rap, but after I began to listen to OneRepublic, I couldn't stop! It's amazing how much you can really love songs after you listen to them. Great band, none of the lower bands or singers compare! Go OneRepublic!

OneRepublic forever! Do not let society fool you. This band is the most unique band there is. From lyrics to instruments to genres, OneRepublic is that! The frontman of the band, Ryan Tedder, wrote a lot of great songs that plenty of people didn't know he wrote. He even writes for Maroon 5 too, so when you hear a song from Maroon 5 and think that Adam Levine, the singer of Maroon 5, wrote it, well, think again! Maroon 5 doesn't always write their own songs. On the other hand, OneRepublic always have in the past and always will write their own songs. This is what makes them so different from all the others.

They use a wide variety of instruments like a cello, bongos, or even a glockenspiel, which is like a xylophone in fancier terms. They use different fusions of genres, which shows that they basically don't have a genre. Once it sounds good to them, they will make it. Their lyrics are just the best. They talk about life, love, and other things that are really worth a listen and worthy of time.

Try listening to OneRepublic if you don't listen to them or if you don't know them. Their music is life-changing!

2 Maroon 5 Maroon 5 is an American pop/pop rock band that originated in Los Angeles, California. Before the current group was established, the original four members, Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael Mickey Madden and Ryan Dusick, formed a band known as Kara's Flowers in 1994, while they were still in high school.

Yes! I think they should be number one. Their songs are so catchy and awesome, but really meaningful at the same time! They're brilliant! And I don't care what the haters think, V was super awesome! My top 3 favorite songs ever are on V! And Overexposed, Hands All Over, It Won't Be Soon Before Long, and Songs About Jane are also brilliant. Adam Levine is the best singer of all time (in my opinion). I was listening to This Love when I wrote this!

Maroon 5 actually do stand out the most with their unique mix of rock, funk, and neo-soul. All of Maroon 5's songs are at least co-written by Adam Levine, and most of their songs are written by the band. Although OneRepublic hasn't collaborated with too many outside writers yet, there is a chance they are headed down that road. I hope not because I love them too, but Ryan Tedder's presence may warrant that. True, Ryan Tedder has written for others, including co-writing a few Maroon 5 songs, but Adam Levine has also collaborated with others in performing and songwriting, including with Gym Class Heroes and Slash.

Even though Maroon 5's music is now less rock than it used to be (who's music isn't nowadays?), it's still quality music with plenty of traces of their roots. It may be a little harder to tell under the modern production, songwriting, and instrumentation collaborations, but Maroon 5 is still the best "pop rock" band out there.

3 The Script The Script is an Irish pop rock band formed in 2001. The band comprises keyboardist and lead vocalist Danny O'Donoghue, guitarist and vocalist Mark Sheehan and drummer Glen Power.

I cannot believe that anyone would think that Maroon 5 is in any way, shape, or form better than The Script (and this is coming from someone who absolutely loves Maroon 5 too). The Script should be number 1 or at least 2. They're just amazing and so consistent in their delivery of the most beautiful and soul-touching songs ever. They also write and produce all their songs themselves, so you know when they pour out their hearts on a track, that's really what they're feeling at that time.

The way I like to think about it is: whatever situation you're in, there's a The Script song for you. Come on, people, these Irish guys are incredible.

Stupid people. I think those who didn't vote for The Script haven't listened to them. OneRepublic is good, but you get bored with their music quite quickly. The Beatles is the most overrated band. Imagine Dragons are new and their only one album is pop rock. Maroon 5 is mostly a pop band. The Script is the best pop rock band. They have so many good songs. It feels like as if all their songs are singles.

4 Fall Out Boy Fall Out Boy is an American pop punk band formed in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, in 2001. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley.

It's amazing that these guys are still going, and still going strong. I'm not sure that I would classify them as pop-rock though. Their sound is just so unique that they almost are their own genre. Great band.

Honestly, I was perfectly okay with their new album, even though it was more pop than punk. They really know how to transition from the emo band they were to the pop-punk legends they are now.

Loved their old alt rock/pop rock stuff! Really unique and had some great tunes that sadly didn't get any appreciation. But their new music is pop. Still should be higher up.

5 Imagine Dragons Imagine Dragons is an American pop rock band from Provo, Utah, and are now based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Imagine Dragons' lineup consists of lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and drummer Daniel Platzman. The band first gained exposure with the release of their single "It's Time", followed by their award-winning debut studio album Night Visions (2012), which resulted... read more

Imagine Dragons are very underrated, but some of their songs get very popular in a short time. Listen to their new album. It's good. And Demons and Warriors are their absolute best.

This band is pure genius. Its lyrics are amazing, it has its own style, its music is amazing, and more. Also, Dream is a really good song, you all should try to listen to it a few times.

I used to hate them "because they are metal", but now I like them since they started mixing genres together. Radioactive is garbage, but Thunder and some others are AWESOME.

6 The Beatles The Beatles were an English pop rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The members consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They were soon known as the foremost and most influential act of rock era. Rooted in skiffle, beat, and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later experimented with several genres, ranging from pop ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard... read more

The Beatles may or may not deserve to be on an entirely different list of something "above pop rock". However, when you listen to the nature of their songs and compare them to those from other famous rock bands like The Rolling Stones and The Police, and artists like Elvis Presley, their music isn't that far of a cry from these "pop rockers" like Maroon 5, OneRepublic, Train, etc. No, I'm not saying that the newer ones are better than or as good as they were in music or legendary status. Yes, I'm saying these current bands listed are closer to the original essence of rock music than bands like Linkin Park or any other nu metal or hardcore/metalcore bands. Maybe this got a little off topic, but that's just a little spill. Anyway, The Beatles definitely deserve to be at the top of this list because they were "pop" and "rock" (which aren't always different), had great music, and were/are one of the most influential and recognized artists of all time.

7 Coldplay Coldplay are a British pop rock band formed in 1996. The band consists of Chris Martin (lead vocalist and pianist), Jonny Buckland (lead guitarist), Guy Berryman (bassist) and Will Champion (drummer and backing vocalist). Manager Phil Harvey is often considered an unofficial fifth member. The band renamed themselves "Coldplay" in 1998. Before making their debut album, they recorded and released three... read more

You can consider their two newest albums pop rock, but overall, they are alternative rock. However, they do incorporate pop elements a lot into their newer albums because they like to experiment and come up with new sounds and ideas. They are by far the best in music, whether it's rock, pop rock, alt rock. They don't really belong to any genre because they can pull off anything so beautifully.

From A Head Full of Dreams to their first album Parachutes, they have the most meaningful lyrics, the most amazing music, and always try something new to intrigue their listeners. Each album is distinct from the next. They are still the same Coldplay since their first album. They just have different themes to their albums to show how they are feeling currently. Their quality of music is always at the top.

They should be #1, with all the Grammys and other awards they have won, and their immense popularity. They are by far the best band of the new millennium.

8 Avril Lavigne Avril Ramona Lavigne is a Canadian–French singer-songwriter and actress. By the age of 15, she had appeared on stage with Shania Twain; by 16, she had signed a two-album recording contract with Arista Records worth more than $2 million.

Yes! Avril deserves to be at least in the top 5, if not the first. She is such an inspiration to all the kids worldwide, and my parents love her music too. It has such a deep meaning in almost everything she writes. She is my idol - the best artist in the world!

I grew up listening to her songs without knowing that they were by her. When I really started to listen to music, I figured out that Avril was the rock goddess behind all of it. Now, I truly admire her, for she is so amazing. She never disappoints her fans and always comes out with great music. I love you, Avril!

I thought she would be number 1, maybe 3, but 31?! I don't really listen to pop rock (normally rock and metal) but Let Me Go brought me to her music because of Chad Kroeger. Then I listened to Complicated, Girlfriend, What The Hell, and it was just perfect. She's definitely the best with the Beatles, BUT One Direction is not pop rock!

Avril Lavigne is the best thing that has happened to my Music World. I grew up listening to her songs. She can do it all. Be it very touching and emotional songs like When You're Gone, Happy Ending, or fun and peppy numbers like Complicated and Girlfriend.

She's just the best.

9 One Direction One Direction (commonly abbreviated as 1D) were a British-Irish pop boy band based in London, composed of Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and previously, Zayn Malik until his departure from the band on 25 March 2015. The group signed with Simon Cowell's record label Syco Records after forming and finishing third in the seventh series of the British televised singing competition... read more

One Direction has been number one in 37 countries. They also have better looks than any other band in history. Plus, they conquered the world in only one year, won so many Brit awards that they had to make more just for them, and won a Global Success Award.

On October 2011, their first concert sold out in 10.7 seconds, which is a record. They also performed at the 2012 Olympic Games. They may have lost the seventh season of The X Factor UK, but they're more popular than the person who actually won it and have stolen the hearts of millions of girls across the world.

I really think that they should be much higher on the list. And to all the haters, I think they are probably just jealous of their success more than any other band on the planet. They are where they are because of their talent, their smashing songs, and yes, their looks are a bonus to it. But this doesn't deny the fact of how hardworking they are. Those guys have given us 4 super hit amazing albums in just 4 years while going on world tours. This clearly shows how much they are capable of, and criticizing them will never ever change that.

10 R5 R5 is an American pop rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2009. The band consists of lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Ross Lynch, Riker Lynch, Rocky Lynch, Rydel Lynch, and Ellington Ratliff.

R5 is not just a new teen pop Disney group. They have worked hard from the beginning and never gave up, and look where they are now. Some people may say that they don't have talent. I respect their opinion because I'm not a crazy fan girl, but just so you know, they learned to play the instruments they play right now. They aren't just some pretty boy (and girl) who sings, and people like that. I could make you a list right now, beginning with 1D.

And to the person that says that they can't write songs, it's just because you have listened to the new songs. The new ones are not completely written by them, but the old ones like Keep Away From This Girl always are good songs, and some are better than the ones right now. About the fact that they write only about love songs, it may be true, but you know what they say, you write what you know. And sorry if R5 doesn't write about the effects of drugs like other bands do.

Lastly, some people really need to stop saying that R5 is a Disney band because they are not. Only Ross is acquainted with them, and A&A is near the end.

The Contenders
11 Pink Alecia Beth Moore known professionally as P!NK, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress.

The queen of pop rock. This goddess needs to be number 1!

Pink is my queen. I love her. She and her music help me get through the day.

12 Bryan Adams Bryan Guy Adams is a Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, guitarist, photographer, philanthropist and activist.

He is the definition of pop rock.

13 Train Train is an American roots rock band from San Francisco, formed in 1993. The band currently consists of Patrick Monahan, Jimmy Stafford, Jerry Becker, Luis Maldonaldo, Hector Maldonado, Drew Shoals, Nikita Houston and Sakai Smith.

I am a huge fan of Train. I have listened to all of their greatest hits and the best selling ones. Patrick is really a great singer.

I have never heard one of their songs that doesn't have emotion. Definitely my favorite band.

14 Paramore Paramore is an American rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Hayley Williams, guitarist Taylor York, and drummer Zac Farro.

This band is the best. Their music has evolved a lot since their first album, but I feel like the fans transitioned with them and now the band is greater than ever.

Hayley Williams is amazing. She is so kind. Yes, I've met her. She has an amazing voice, and I think she should be higher on the list, so check out their songs and vote for Paramore.

They are amazing! I personally think they need to be higher!

15 Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is an English singer, pianist and composer. Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums, John has sold over 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits in the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including nine number... read more

He is obviously the best on this list. I mean, hell no to One Direction, OneRepublic, and Katy Perry. They don't even make real music. It's just computer-generated lip-syncing crap that should never have even been created. Elton John is organic, good, and authentic.

He is without a doubt the best Pop Rock artist. I find it laughable that bad fake pop rock artists such as Coldplagiarism, 1D, Imagine Dragons, and Katy Perry are above him. They all can't compare to John, and all of those artists are overrated and give pop rock a bad name.

16 ABBA ABBA are a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1972 by members Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
17 Queen Queen are an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar, vocals). Before forming into Queen, Brian May and Roger Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury was a fan of Smile and encouraged them to experiment with more elaborate... read more
18 Katy Perry Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, professionally known by her stage name Katy Perry, was born on October 25, 1984 in Santa Barbara, California. She is a singer, songwriter, actress and an ambassador on one of the most popular companies of now, UNICEF.

She is also is one of the best-selling artists of all time. She won 4 Guinness World Records, 5 MTV Awards, 5 American Music Awards, 16'ASCAP Pop Music... read more
19 The Fray The Fray is an American rock band from Denver, Colorado. Formed in 2002 by schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King, they achieved success with the release of their debut album, How to Save a Life in 2005, which was certified double platinum by the RIAA and platinum in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.

This band saved my life! The first time I heard "You Found Me," I cried. Their songs have a powerful meaning. And Isaac Slade's voice is AMAZING. I never heard a band more beautiful than them.

Just some quality music, great voice, deep and meaningful lyrics. Way better than most of the artists above. Just sad to see such talent being so underrated.

Why isn't this band higher on the list? How to Save a Life and Over My Head were huge hits back then!

20 Robbie Williams Robert Peter Williams is an English singer, songwriter and actor. He was a member of the pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995 and again from 2009 to 2012. He has also had commercial success as a solo artist.

The biggest reason why I hate America, Robbie Williams isn't on the music stations. Take That is on the 90's stations, but Robbie Williams needs to be introduced to the American public.

There isn't another artist that comes close to Robbie Williams, he's done some awesome rock songs and he is the king of pop-rock.

Slane Castle 1999 has got to be the best pop rock gig I've ever been to.

21 My Chemical Romance My Chemical Romance is an American rock band from Jersey City, New Jersey, active from 2001 to 2013, and again from 2019 to present day. For much of their career, the band consisted of lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, bassist Mikey Way, and drummer Bob Bryar.

Why are Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Demi Lovato on this list? They are NOT rock. My Chemical Romance, Blink 182, All Time Low, Fall Out Boy, Sum 41, Paramore? I would add in all the classics (Beatles, Rolling Stones, Stone Roses), but they go without saying. - Daisy.

I love My Chemical Romance, although they changed their image after Black Parade. Still an awesome band. It's a massive shame that they had to break up after being together for so long.

I feel like this should be number 1. My Chemical Romance are like kings. There is nothing to hate about this band, you just can't.

22 Bee Gees The Bee Gees were a pop music group formed in 1958. Their line-up consisted of brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb.

They're the Bee Gees, the kings of disco. And what's more, their music is still not cringy in the slightest, unlike other disco-era groups. Stayin' Alive is probably one of the most recognizable tracks of all time, to say nothing of their other stuff.

The very best three-part harmony of all time (quote George Martin producer), the very best songwriters, and on the top 10 for five consecutive decades. No need to say more, they are the top!

23 Michael Jackson Michael Jackson (Michael Joseph Jackson; August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by a propofol and benzodiazepine overdose on June 25, 2009. He donated (at least) a remarkable 500,000,000 dollars to charity. Michael is also known as The King of Pop (a title given to him by Elizabeth Taylor) or under the initials MJ... read more

Come on, guys, gotta help him and put him to number 1. Have you not seen his t-shirts, "KING OF POP"? He should be for the next 100 years at least. If you do not like him, sorry because you are a noob.

He's my idol, he's the reason I fell in love with music, he should be number one. All the voters are just teenage girls who think they know real music.

He is music! Michael Jackson is music! RIP the king of pop. We will remember your music forever.

24 The All-American Rejects The All-American Rejects are an American rock band formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1999. The band consists of bassist and lead vocalist, Tyson Ritter, lead guitarist and backing vocalist, Nick Wheeler, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist, Mike Kennerty, and drummer Chris Gaylor.
25 Aerosmith Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "the Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band".
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